My name is Traci Frees and I am the volunteer coordinator with ULM Relief in Biloxi, MS. After dedicating more than three years of our lives to the reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and rebuilding over 1,200 homes in Biloxi, feeding victims and first responders within five days after Hurricane Katrina, and accruing over 400,000 volunteer hours (from Churches, Colleges, AmeriCorps, etc.) rebuilding homes, we were removing the last few RVs from our site and were greeted morning with a display of pure maliciousness. Police believe it happened between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning at 11AM when we arrived on the scene. Police found blood and fingerprints on the broken glass and an investigation is underway.

My husband Mark Jones and I ran the camp in Biloxi with help of volunteers from around the country and even Keesler Air Force Base on weekends. We left our jobs (I taught at Auburn University and my husband owned his own business) and families to come down and help the people of Biloxi, MS by concentrating on East Biloxi’s citizens. Since August we have been shutting down our relief site in order to comply with the City of Biloxi’s new ordinance for temporary structures. Since September we have been demolishing the temporary buildings on our relief site , taking down our tents, and finally removing the RVs that enabled us to live and work near those who could not help themselves after Katrina. We gave all we could to Biloxi, and end the end much was taken away. We still owe a substantial amount on the RV, and wanted to move our relief efforts with our Non-profit organization to other areas of the country to continue our humanitarian efforts. Now, we are forced to scrounge for funds to pay for fixing the damages on the vandalized RVs and hurriedly move them to another location in order to avoid more potential damage in the future. It breaks our hearts that we leave Biloxi after all we’ve given and the lives we’ve seen changed on a not such as this.

Summary of damage done: Inside of RV trashed (all personal possession ripped out and bagged up to remove from site), food brought in RV and eaten, Windows broken to obtain entrance, curtains pulled down and cut for no reason, outside of RV slide out pulled and damaged to open slide outs, back window broken which alone will be about $1,000 to replace, desk inside smashed. The side of the RV near the street undamaged, all damage done where perpetrator could not be seen. The pictures I’ve attached include the proclamation from the City of Biloxi recognizing our contributions to the community. The ULM Relief Site pictures were taken before August 2009, which is when we began to shut down our site from East Biloxi after the July 2009 ordinance change.

While we know this malicious act does not represent the hearts of the people, we will always cherish our time in Biloxi and the time we spent restorning hope and rebuilding lives.

11:00 AM Tuesday
Light Rain.
Gustav has passed and now comes the recovery. Mark and I (Traci) were finally able to get over the I-110 bridge back into Biloxi to assess the damage to the ULM Relief site and the Biloxi area. The authorities only lifted the curfew this morning, so all day yesterday people were encouraged to stay in shelter.

The ULM Relief site held up well and we were reminded how important it is to be proactive and not reactive. Both the large supply tent and kitchen tents were dropped in preparation for the storm, and now comes the arduous task of putting them back up. The kitchen tent takes about 10 people and a forklift to restore, while the large supply tent takes a crane and at least 10 people to put back up. The site didn’t flood, and the vehicles and park model trailers suffered no debris damage. Power was back on this morning, so the refrigerated and frozen foods did not spoil.

The Biloxi area suffered the front eastern quarter of Gustav and while the winds remained under 70 MPH they still caused quite a bit of damage as far as we could ascertain. There were downed trees and debris scattered around most of the roads. Highway 90 in Biloxi is still closed, and I-10 west is filled with vehicles as far as the eye can see coming from Mobile to New Orleans. I-10 East is relatively clear. There are still more than 10,000 people without power in Harrison and Hancock Counties (Coast Electric) and 14,454 without power in Biloxi (Mississippi Power). This means that about 25,000 people have no refrigerators (the food they had probably spoiled by now) and no ability to cook.

Many evacuees are starting the journey home, and our prayers are with them for their safety and the patience level necessary to deal with the extreme traffic. Businesses are now opening back up and people are removing the boards from their windows. Wal-Mart in D’Iberville was reopened this morning…YEAH!

Since Hurricane Katrina it seems that all storms that bear down on the Gulf Coast are compared to that storm, Gustav was a Category 2 Hurricane with sustained winds of over 115 MPH and did some extremely serious damage. Even in Biloxi we have to remind ourselves that the people that lost their home or a loved one in Gustav are no different than one who has had the same tragic loss from Katrina. We're fortunate that Gustav was smaller than Katrina, it affected far fewer people. For the people Gustav did affect I (Mark) don't believe they they really care about the comparisons being made.

We would like to thank everyone who emailed, called and supported us with their prayers. We would also like to invite and encourage any volunteers to come down and continue in the recovery efforts from both Katrina and Gustav. There is much work to be done.

11:45 AM Monday
Windy and Rainy! Concerned but not panicky!
Well the water from the beach has come up to and covered the Highway 90 West bound lanes. If you remember from our relief site, Highway 90 is between the Gulf of Mexico and the back of our site, our Big White Supply Tent is about 800 feet from Highway 90. We’ve been under tornado warnings and watches all morning, with several tornadoes being spotted touching down. Flash flood watches have also been issued, and we can see a current storm surge of about 6 feet where we are taking shelter. The power went off for about 2 hours this morning, and is currently back on. Way to go Power Workers!!!

As of 10PM last night, a city wide curfew has been issued and remains in effect. The radar shows the tail end of the hurricane is approaching, so hopefully we should be out of this in a few hours. We will then wait for the water to recede from the roads so we can get over to the site and assess the damage.

The City of Biloxi has issued the following street closings due to the water surge:
Street closings in Biloxi due to flooding:
---U.S. 90
---First Street, north of Grand Casino.
---Howard Avenue at Pine
---South River Drive
---Brodie Road
---Destiny Plantation to the bridge
---End of Hickman River
--Back Bay Boulevard, east of Boomtown Casino to Oak Street.
---Cedar Lake Road, north of I-10.

8:00 AM Monday
Good morning! ULM Relief made it through the night and we are about midway through Hurricane Gustav. Currently we are experiencing a storm surge of about 4 feet with 35 MPH winds and gusts a bit over 50 MPH. More rain is expected today, so the storm surge will probably get higher. There are some feeder bands behind the hurricane that will dump more rain and wind, so we’re not out of the woods yet.

We have ongoing tornado warnings, and one tornado was observed by a Police Officer when it touched down on HWY 49 in Gulfport, MS, it apparently did not do any substantial damage when it landed. There are no major power outages yet, but we have had some flickers. Currently we are under a hurricane warning, and as soon as it changes to a hurricane watch we’ll be permitted better access around Biloxi to assess the damage.

The streets appear clear and there are no vehicles present with the exception of a few Emergency and First Response Vehicles. It would appear that most people took the warnings seriously and have either evacuated or are staying put inside their homes.

5:45 PM
It begins.
The rain and wind have arrived. It quickly got dark and the clouds became grey and ominous!!! Here we go. Winds are from the east at 18 MPH gusting to 36 MPH. Currently, there is no visible evidence of the storm surge from Gustav.

Following is some information on what is happening in the area as preparation for Gustav: No curfew set for Biloxi, but in New Orleans the curfew is set for 10PM. In preparation for this storm, boat owners have moved their shrimp boats into the Biloxi Back Bay this weekend. Some boats are still docked in the marina at the beach in front of the ULM Relief site. The casinos closed this morning at 7AM. This storm shelters for Biloxi, which are area schools, open at 6PM tonight. Many of you might remember eating lunch at the Salvation Army on Division Street. They’ve left up the dome tent.

At noon today, the local city bus service stopped in order to transport residents to the shelters. At 3PM residents living in FEMA and MEMA trailers in Zone A (east Biloxi) and Zone B (Coastal Biloxi) were evacuated. So the residents that lived around the site at 453 Howard Ave who were living in FEMA/MEMA trailers have all left.

10:30AM
Greetings ULM Relief friends & partners. Mark Jones and I (Traci Frees) are still going strong in Biloxi recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Now in the face of another natural disaster, we will be bringing you periodic updates of what’s going on at ULM Relief in Biloxi, MS throughout Hurricane Gustav and let you know what relief efforts will be needed after the storm. Everyone is being extremely proactive since Katrina, so you’re probably bombarded with reports of the Gulf Coast through all media sources!

I drove from North Alabama to Mississippi this morning and found there to be traffic congestion on I-65N from Montgomery to Mobile. There are also numerous evacuees on I-10 East from Biloxi to Mobile, so at some points both lanes were stopped, and at most points both lanes were slowed. All rest areas were full of cars from the ramps to the main rest houses. Currently I-65 south and I-10 west are mostly clear. Driving down to Mississippi I had an ominous feeling that I might be going the wrong way

11:45 AM
Partly cloudy, no winds.
We at ULM Relief have been preparing for the hurricane this week with the help of friends from Florida, Biloxi, and Keesler Air Force Base. The kitchen and supply tents were dropped and secured to prepare for 50-70mph winds. Vehicles have been moved to higher ground in anticipation of 6-12 feet storm surge predictions. Mark and I are here in Biloxi and will be personally monitoring the condition of the site and Biloxi area. We are poised to take further action when needed and will be keeping y’all posted of what we and the good people of Biloxi are weathering and what plan we will take to recover from any damage.

We will continue to post updates based on our first-hand observations of Hurricane Gutsav in Biloxi.

It has been almost three years to the day since Hurricane Katrina crashed into the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. All those that have been involved with the relief and recovery effort have been tested and endured, we have rebuilt and restored the homes and lives of thousands of individuals.

Now we look out to the Gulf and wonder the same pressing thought, is Gustav, Fay or some yet un-named Storm going to hit us while we are still recovering from Katrina? Gustav is heading out into the Gulf and expected to turn into a strong hurricane. Louisiana and Mississippi are getting ready for the impact and ULM Relief is going to be standing with them.

We are also preparing for the worst that Gustav can bring while at the same time thankful that we are in a position to provide relief to the people as soon as they need it, not days, weeks, months or even years later.

For those of you that have spent time with us, worked side by side restoring hope and rebuilding the lives deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina please keep us in mind when you watch the reports of Gustav over the next several days. We all may need to stand side by side once more and bring hope and relief to the people that will need it.

Volunteers can change lives, their own and those of the many people they help. It is beginning to look like we will all have the honor to help once again.

Wednesday, March 8th 2008, through Saturday, March 12th; Americorps National Civilian Community Corps partnered with Urban Life Missions, Y’ALL and Kessler Air Force Base to do a street wide cleanup on Biloxi’s Crawford Street.

Americorps NCCC’s own Chadd Clark, along with his teammates knocked on every door from the 100 block to the 300 block, 28 project locations total, to find ways they could help a neighborhood community so close to the ULM site. The amount of work they found was astounding. One house was completely demolished, another home’s interior was scraped and painted, we also covered homes with tarps to protect from the weather, cleaned a house full of mold, 7100 cubic feet of debris was removed from most of the homes, and much needed yard work was done all over Crawford Street.

The Crawford Street Beautification Week was a great success. Many of the homeowners were out and about talking with the 160 volunteers that came from all over the country to help with ULM. “ “People along the street felt a tangible impact about positive changes in the area since Katrina” says NCCC Corps Member Chadd Clark. Biloxi is on its way to rebirth

It has been almost 21 months since Hurricane Katrina impacted the Gulf Coast with the greatest devastation ever to hit America from a hurricane. As time has gone by the means by which we are helping people in Biloxi has had to change. The days of tractor trailers full of supplies waiting in line to be unloaded are gone, but the people that continue to need those supplies are still here hoping their turn for aid will come next. We need a new approach to continue to help people rebuild their homes and lives in Biloxi.

Volunteers are still coming down to help but in smaller numbers than they once were. We need the help of people from all over to continue to put people back in their houses. Skilled volunteers are desperately needed to complete the homes we have under construction.

At ULM Relief in Biloxi there have been many changes made to our accommodations . We can now house over 150 people in facilities with wood floors, bunks and electric. We have a great kitchen and dining room that can comfortably feed everyone. We provide wireless Internet, cable TV, a copy machine and office computer for volunteers to stay in touch with their work, friends and family back home as well as laundry facilities. We can also boast about an unparalleled view of the Gulf with a private walkway down to the beach.

We have also streamlined our construction process utilizing over 10,000 Sq feet of on site warehouse space along with our fleet of vans, pick up trucks and flatbed delivery vehicles to keep our work crews supplied with the materials they need to keep construction progress moving efficiently.

The costs to stay with us here in Biloxi are only $10.00 per person per day. The satisfaction of seeing the faces of the people you'll come to help are priceless. Let's not ask the folks down here to wait any longer, contact us today and arrange your trip down to Biloxi.

This document briefly describes the recent history and future projects of ULM RELIEF, a grassroots relief and recovery organization that has been on the ground and operating continuously within five days of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact on the Gulf Coast, including maintaining a team on site throughout Hurricane Rita. ULM has been operating its rotating volunteer based recovery effort without interruption since September 2005 in one of the neediest areas of the region and the United States. It has depended entirely on the donations of individuals, churches, and small groups around the country to survive yet it has been one of the great success stories to come out of a time of massive loss and the largest relocation of the US population since the Civil War.
The approach taken by the ULM Partners as outlined in this document focuses on the long term solution for housing and economic development while fully incorporating social and environmental factors into the project. The significance of these concepts to ULM Relief has become increasingly evident as FEMA and local government agencies engage in the process of re-examining their current pro-forma and explore opportunities for further improvement.

"Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable–to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." World Commission on Environment and Development

The process of developing the SED (Sustainable Economic Development) and translating commitments into results will require learning from past strategies, implementing actions designed to achieve strategic objectives, and ensuring the provision of support mechanisms. Only by doing so can ULM Relief with its partners realistically expects to be an effective participant in the Gulf Coast Project and achieve life changing results for the people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Another group of volunteers just pulled out to head back to upstate New York. They are young and old alike with a big heart and a passion for people. There is usually a lot of emotion when the groups leave. They hug, cry, take last minute pictures and stare. Some just stare at you as if they wish they could stay, but know deep inside they can’t. the obligations in another state prohibit a long-term effort The stare and tears are also a sense of accomplishment. They have come, worked, served, given ad infinitum. A fulfillment has occurred, maybe for the first time in their lives, a sense of having done something so wonderful, for people who could never give anything in return.

Could you imagine living a life where there is never a sense of fulfillment? Where years go by and it’s just the same old same old? The ULM Relief BOO (Base of Operations) is a place to “move with compassion” just as Jesus did when He walked through worn torn villages and touched despondent and hopeless souls. Here in Biloxi Mississippi lies ‘true’ ministry . This is not to say that other ministries are not viable and true, it’s that as you move among the people of Biloxi, there is an awe inspiring feeling of eternal value. It’s as if you have made a difference for all eternity. That the smallest act of kindness, compassion, and servitude will count in the life of that person forever. It means so much to the recipient that it will forever change their view on life and God.

A new group will arrive on Monday and they will be antsy and anxious and ready to rebuild the entire Gulf Coast in one week. Yet, I know that by the end of the week they will stand and stare and reflect on a week of service, that has not only changed the lives of the folks in Mississippi, but their life will be forever changed as well. A last and lasting picture will be taken and along drive back to where they came from will prompt conversations like the Disciples must have had. Wow! What a week of ministry!

The question has come up more and more lately. Time and again as I travel the country and land back in NYC or on the Gulf Coast I am asked, what are you still doing in Mississippi? There are a lot of answers for that particular question, but in the back of my mind I want to say where else would I be? I remember sitting at home after the hurricane hit. It moved me to action. I was thinking, “How dare I sit here while others are suffering? God if you want me to go, have someone call.” I’m sure you can guess the rest of it. Well, that’s how I got here.

What am I still doing in Mississippi? Finishing what we started. Restoring hope and rebuilding lives for starters. ULM is a small band of dedicated workers who are sacrificing their time and resources to preach the Gospel through acts of compassion. If you ask me, it’s simple – We’re livin’ the dream!!! This is real and vital ministry. It’s the type of living where you may actually be saving someone’s life. We are serving people who can never give anything in return. We are not only remodeling their homes, but connecting them with churches and families across the country. These relationships are becoming stronger by the day. We have the opportunity to see how each of us can use our position in life to influence others, ultimately for God’s glory.

When I think of all the time wasted watching television or entering into conversations with no redemptive value and all the time talking about what others are doing, I now realize how ineffective that can be. There is nothing like the ground for your bed, working until every part of your body aches, eating meals in the draftiest tent in three states, but most of all looking into the eyes of some of the neediest people in America and seeing what should have been there all along…hope. Our hearts say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who have come to share the burden of the residents of Mississippi, our fellow Americans and to all those who have given of their resources to aid those in need.

January 1, 2006 Biloxi, MS
Looking back to the last few months, we are seeing a great deal of progress.
Phase 1 Emergency Relief: We are FEMA POD (Point of Distribution) #8. That’s where it all began. Then we expanded the territory to form seven (7) POD’s in four different cities. We brought in more than 950 tractor trailers of supplies to Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Waveland, Pascagoula, New Orleans, Gretna, and Metairie. Several cook trailers were set up in various locations and our cooks have fed over 400, 000 people hot meals. Counseling Centers were set up in four locations and three medical clinics.

Phase II Clean-up: The ULM Team along with thousands of volunteers cleaned out more than 800 homes and covered over 1100 roofs with blue tarps in 4 different cities. We have held classes for mold remediation as well as working closely with the east Biloxi Relief Center, managed by Councilman Bill Stallworth. We have distributed tents, coats brand new clothing, cleaning supplies and a host of dry goods.

Phase III Remodeling Homes: “One Church – One House” is the ULM nationwide project to help get people back in their homes. We are currently remodeling 16 homes simultaneously and have already gotten more than 30 families back in their homes for Christmas. This is everything from new kitchens and bathrooms to furniture and flooring and windows.

I left the building business for the call of God in 1989. Here I am in 2006 back in the building business. Yes it’s true – it’s like riding a bike. We are working day and night to move people back in their homes as most are still living in tents (Temps in the high 20’s at night) and FEMA trailers. There is still a great urgency to help bring relief to our fellow Americans. These are our people suffering, with little or no media attention. “It’s the worst natural disaster in the history of the USA”, is the quote we keep hearing. Then why do people think everything is OK only 4 months later? The need is greater than ever. We are here and have been here since the beginning. We are determined to see this effort through. ULM is not just another drop and run relief organization. The Team is caring and committed to finish that which was started. My many thanks to the Leadership Team of ULM: Kevin Beck, OH, Bob Appleby, CN, Don Barnett, OH. Andy Surace, NJ, Pat Mederios, NY, Phil Wentzell, AL. And many thanks to Rick Joyner, NC for partnering with us and lending us Nathan Plowman and a host of volunteers sent weekly.

We have work crews lined up to April and more who want to come. What we don’t have is money. We are still looking for churches to sponsor a house. One Church – One House. We are totally remodeling homes, which took on over 7 feet of water and putting them back together for under $12,000. Let’s start the New Year off right by giving your first offering to those who need it the most. Please, help us help them.

Nov. 25 Biloxi, MS Thanksgiving in Biloxi was a wonderful day. The
sun was shining and the temperature a balmy 74 degrees. There was a great
spirit about the BIloxi VFW Post as people came together to give thanks to
God for a host of different reasons. The residents were greatful their
lives were spared; their family is back together and they have a chance
for a fresh start.

ULM joined together with the Biloxi VFW to host over 2200 people for
Thanksgiving. The menu was deep fried turkey, ribs, pork tenderloins, and
all the fixens, including Ms. Ruth's apple cobbler. Hundreds of people
gathered under the red, white and blue tent for a meal, a time with God
and football games (well it is Thanksgiving).

There were a host of volunteers provided by Morningstar Ministries (Rev.
Rick Joyner). Theye were serving the guests and continued to clean out
houses as the people are still living in an unhealthy envionment. After
everyone left it was business as usual - the temperaure dropped to 40
degrees, campfires were built and sleeping bags were zipped up as we
prepared for sleep. For the next day would bring more labor of love for
the citizens of Biloxi.

We are trying to get 50 houses remodled by Christmas, so people can get
out of their tents back in their homes. Pray for the ULM Team as we are
not giving up on our fellow Americans. They need us now more than ever as
the cold sets in we are settling in with it.

Press Release
Biloxi, MS, Monday, November 13, 2005: Pastor leaves New York City with 9/11 experience to aid Katrina survivors. On September 5, Pastor Carl Keyes arrived in Biloxi, Mississippi, and was surprised that the disaster agencies you would expect to see after a major disaster were glaringly absent in a large American city.

More than two months after Hurricane Katrina, they are still recovering bodies. Families are living in moldy, filth-infested homes, and the lucky ones are living in tents. According to FEMA representatives, it will take at least 3 more months to provide temporary living trailers. In the wake of this unprecedented disaster, ULM disaster relief (ULM) today announces its long term rebuilding program for Biloxi, Mississippi. “We have come as fellow Americans to join with the citizens of Biloxi and the Biloxi City leaders, and we can not leave until their homes are rebuilt and their lives brought back to some sort of normalcy,” said Pastor Carl Keyes.

ULM has been in Mississippi since September 5, distributing more than 901 truckloads of goods valued at over $22,525,000. ULM volunteers have donated more than 130,000 hours removing debris from homes, beginning partial repairs on homes, cooking and feeding for the people and distributing goods.
Typically, this late into a disaster, organizations would no longer be providing hot meals and distributing goods. With literally hundreds of people still living in an unsanitary environment without electricity, Biloxi Councilman Stallworth and Councilman Lawrence have asked ULM to continue providing these vital services.

ULM’s rebuild program will focus on the elderly, at risk, uninsured and severely underinsured. Already, insurance companies are denying coverage leaving people with limited resources to rebuild their homes.

ULM is a disaster-relief agency comprised of volunteers from various churches and organizations from across the United States and Canada. Carl Keyes, ULM Director, was recognized by the US Senate for ULM’s massive relief efforts after 9/11. Pastor Keyes brings his extensive experience in disaster relief to Biloxi.

Donations for ULM’s massive relief efforts may now be made online at www.ulmrelief.com, or checks can be sent to PO Box 8179, Biloxi, MS 39531

IN Biloxi, children are returning. to attend two temporary schools that have been recently set up. Due to the overwhelming lack of operational facilities in these schools, the people have turned to ULM for help in providing hot meals for the children that have returned to attend these temporary schools.

With their staff of volunteers, ULM is now providing more than 500 hot meals per day to these school children, in addition to over 4000 hot meals they have been providing to the general public for weeks now.

In the wake of Katrina, thousands of homes were destroyed. Insurance companies are following strict guidelines for compensation and in many cases this leaves families with an impossible task of making their homes habitable with the settlements that are being paid.

ULM saw the need to help these people, and created the One Home - One CHurch project. CHurches can now sponser a home, providing the donations necessary for ULM's relief crews to rebuild these houses and put families back in their homes.

Biloxi, MS, Monday, November 7, 2005: Ten weeks after Hurricane Katrina, families are still living in moldy, filth-infested homes. According to FEMA representatives, it will take at least 3 more months to provide temporary living trailers. In the wake of this unprecidented disaster, ULM disaster relief (ULM) today announces its long term rebuilding program for Biloxi, Mississippi.

ULM has been in Mississippi since September 5, distributing more than 901 truckloads of goods valued at over $22,525,000. ULM volunteers have donated more than 130,000 hours removing debris from homes, beginning partial repairs on homes, cooking and feeding for the people and distributing goods.

Typcially, this late into a disaster, organizations would no longer be providing hot meals and distributing goods. With literally hundreds of people still living in an unsanitary environment without electricity, Biloxi Councilman Stallworth and Councilman Lawrence have asked ULM to continue providing these vital services.

ULM’s rebuild program will focus on the elderly, at risk, uninsured and severely underinsured. Already, insurance companies are denying coverege leaving people with limited resources to rebuild their homes.

1.
Biloxi Mississippi
(Official FEMA, State and City Point of Distribution [POD)
September 5 – 28, 2005
Average of 899 cars per day for goods (not including walk ups)
Average of 37 – 55 volunteers per day
Average of 15,792 volunteer hours in 24 days
399 homes cleaned of debris (24,000 cubic yards of debris)

When Grocery Store Opened, Moved POD to:
John Henry Beck Park (Official FEMA, State and City POD)****
September 28 – Current
Average of 1,231 people per day for goods (in first 11 days and growing)
Average of 1,208 people per day for hot meals (in first 11 days and growing by 400+ per day)
Average of 150 volunteers for day
Average of 25,200 volunteer hours (in first 11 days)
26 homes cleaned of debris in a 3 day period

****This POD is the most well-stocked POD in Biloxi and only one other POD is currently feeding hot meals. This is critical since FEMA just announced it will be at least ninety days until everyone has their FEMA trailers. Other PODs in surrounding cities are closing, so we are seeing an influx from neighboring cities who currently have no assistance.

2. Gulfport Mississippi
September 5 – 29, 2005
Average of 1,792 cars per day for goods
Average of 50 volunteers per day
Average of 17,500 volunteer hours in 25 days
Total of 339,418 Meals Served
Average of 13,576 meals served per day
321 roofs tarped

3. D'Iberville Mississippi
(Official Harrison County POD)
September 6 – 25, 2005
Average of 3,781 people per day for goods
Total of 62,438 meals served in 21 days
Average of 3,902 people per day for hot meals
Average of 90 volunteers per day
Average of 26,460 volunteer hours in 21 days

4. Biloxi Mississippi - Coliseum
(Official FEMA, State and City POD)
September 7 – 30
Average of 10 volunteers per day
Average of 3,360 volunteer hours in 24 days

5. North Biloxi - Popps Ferry
(Official FEMA, State and City POD)
September 8 - 18
Average of 4,214 people per day for goods
Average of 147 volunteers per day
Average of 22,638 volunteer hours in 11 days

6. Long Beach Mississippi
September 9- 29
Average of 876 cars per day, not including walk ups
Average of 40 volunteers per day
Average of 11,760 volunteer hours in 21 days